At a news conference in
1980, Terry Fox said, “How many people do something they really
believe in? I just wish people would realize that anything’s
possible if you try. Dreams are made if people try.”

In 1977, when Terry Fox was
just 18 years old, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, bone
cancer, and had to have his right leg amputated above the knee.

While in hospital with other
cancer patients, he decided to raise money for cancer research,
and he would do that by running across Canada.

Terry’s goal was to raise
$22 million, and he asked every Canadian to give $1 to support
the work of cancer research.

On April 12, 1980, in St.
John’s, Newfoundland, Terry Fox dipped his prosthesis in the
Atlantic Ocean and began his “Marathon of Hope.” His plan was
to keep running until he could dip his leg in the Pacific Ocean,
but after running 5300km (St. John’s, Newfoundland to Thunder
Bay, Ontario) in 143 day, he was forced to abandon his run. He
died a few months later, June 28, 1981, at the age of 22.

However, his dream did not
die with him. His courage and determination inspired many
Canadians, so that first Marathon of Hope raised $24.1 million.
Just two months later, in September, 1981 the first Terry Fox
Run was up and running in more that 760 places in Canada and
around the world with over 300,000 caring people participating.
For 25 years the Terry Fox Run has been held annually across
Canada and in about 50 countries around the world. The Terry Fox
Foundation has raised $360 million for research.

This year, The Terry Fox
Foundation is working towards a very specific goal: to have
every school in Canada stage a Terry Fox Run. Watch for the
National School Run Day on Friday, September 16, 2005. To help
make this dream come true, call 1-888-836-9786.

Terry Fox continues to be
honoured posthumously for his heroism and his contribution to
cancer research.

This month, the latest
tribute came in the form of the new Terry Fox dollar coin. The
Royal Canadian Mint held an Unveiling Ceremony at Simon Fraser
University in Burnaby. The coins, with Terry’s image on one
side and the Queen’s on the other, are in circulation now. Just
11 million coins have been minted to date, but another 9 million
will be available in September.

Terry’s legacy continues.
In our area, you can see monuments, mountain peaks, schools,
highways, and awards and more all named in his honour.

Terry’s dream is being
realized through the ongoing contributions of scientific
research, humanitarian efforts, financial gifts and dedicated
volunteer work.